Here are some of the things people from across the London community have been saying about Crossrail.
1. Government
• Prime Minister
Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP: "For decades the idea of Crossrail - a major new railway link connecting central London, the City and Canary Wharf to Heathrow and to commuter areas east and west of the capital - has been a long-held dream for business and Londoners alike. I am pleased to be able to confirm to you all today that we have now reached final agreement on the funding that is needed. Full details will be announced next week but I can say today that both the private and public sectors have made major financial commitments and that the project will now definitely proceed."
• The Chancellor of the Exchequer
Rt Hon Alistair Darling MP: "Crossrail is key to the long term development of London and the UK and I welcome the fact that everyone has worked together to achieve this. We are able to afford this investment on the foundation of a strong economy."
• Secretary of State for Transport
Rt Hon Ruth Kelly MP: "Incredible work has gone into securing a Crossrail funding deal that has eluded all previous Governments. Today's announcement paves the way for a rail link that will give a lasting transport legacy to London for centuries to come".
• Minister of State for Trade
Lord Digby Jones, Minister of State for Trade, (joint Foreign & Commonwealth Office and Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform Minister): “We must have better transport infrastructure in the South East and that's a big challenge. Whether it's the Heathrow expansion or Crossrail in London, we need it.”
• Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government
Rt Hon Hazel Blears MP, Labour MP for Salford and Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government: “Crossrail is vital to the UK's economy. I believe this important project will be a tangible example of the way this Labour Government is renewing the infrastructure of the UK.”
• Mayor of London
Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, said in response to Royal Assent for the Crossrail Bill on 22 July 2008: 'I am absolutely thrilled that work can now begin on one of the largest projects ever seen in the capital, a project that is vital to the future prosperity of our city and a project that has the potential to improve the lives of many thousands of Londoners.
'Crossrail will shorten journey times for Londoners and visitors to our city whether they are heading for the bright lights of the west end or the citadels of commerce at Canary Wharf. But most importantly it can act as a catalyst for regeneration across the whole of our city, particularly in the east of the capital.
'Londoners living in the east will have far greater access to jobs in the centre of London and we expect to see the areas where they are living flourish from private sector investment in housing and development. All this and Crossrail even pays for itself. That is what I call a cracking deal for the capital.'
• Conservative party
Theresa Villiers MP, Conservative MP for Chipping Barnet and Shadow Secretary of State for Transport: “The Conservative Party acknowledges the strong business case for Crossrail. We very much hope that the government can find an affordable way to enable this much needed project to go ahead so it can be up and running when it is needed by the middle of the next decade. After all, they have promised Crossrail before yet still the uncertainty drags on.”
Stephen Hammond MP, Conservative MP for Wimbledon and Shadow Minister for Transport: “We [the Conservative Party] recognise the economic benefits that will flow from the increase in transport capacity that Crossrail will bring to the people and businesses of London.”
Mark Field MP, Cities of London and Westminster: “As a capital city, we make a vast contribution to the national coffers – some £20bn net per year – yet we receive considerably less than our rightful share in terms of infrastructure.”
• Liberal Democrat
Susan Kramer MP, Liberal Democrats MP for Richmond Park: “Without Crossrail, public transport in London will be unable to cope with the city's growing population. The Crossrail project must be part of a broader strategy to provide efficient, reliable and affordable public transport to all of London's communities, outer London included.”
John Leech MP, Liberal Democrats MP for Manchester Withington: “Crossrail has an integral role to play in the future of public transport for London and I would like to see it progress as soon as possible.”
Tom Brake MP, Carshalton and Wallington, Liberal Democrats Shadow Minister for London: “Everyone accepts that Crossrail is needed.”
• Greater London Authority (GLA)
Roger Evans AM, Assembly Member for Havering & Redbridge and London Assembly Transport Committee member: "Crossrail is long overdue and will make a major contribution to strengthening London's position as the key financial centre of the 21st century. It will link up the four powerhouses of the UK economy - the City; Canary Wharf; West End; and Heathrow - and will improve the quality of life of Londoners and regenerate the capital. All parties must work together to ensure that the delivery of this vital project does not slip."
• City of London
Sir Michael Snyder, former Chairman of the City of London’s Policy and Resources Committee: “Crossrail, the most important new transport infrastructure for 30 years is vital to the future prosperity and economic success of the City, London and the UK as a whole.”
2. Regional business organisations and groups
• UK Business Council
Mervyn Davies, Chairman, Standard Chartered and Chair of UK Business Council: "I am delighted that the Government, the Mayor and the business community have all recognised that Crossrail is a priority if the competitiveness of the UK's financial services industry is to be maintained."
• London First
Baroness Jo Valentine, Chief Executive, London First: "London First, on behalf of business and commuters, has pressed for Crossrail for over a decade. By giving this vital scheme the OK, Gordon Brown will be relieving rush hour misery for millions of Londoners and unlocking new growth. London and the UK need Crossrail to maintain attractiveness to overseas investors looking to locate their HQs."
• Institute of Directors
Miles Templeman, Director General, Institute of Directors: "It is good news that this much-needed transport infrastructure project has finally been given the go-ahead. Good local, national and international transport links are an essential pre-requisite for a thriving economy, and it is crucial that further investment in vital transport projects can be delivered without the inordinate delays that have beset Crossrail."
• London Chambers of Commerce & Industry (LCCI)
LCCI Chief Executive Colin Stanbridge: "After 20 years of campaigning for Crossrail, the London Chamber has applauded the decision that it will finally be built and welcomes the vital protection for businesses announced in the proposals today.”
• The Confederation of British Industry (CBI)
John Cridland, the Deputy Director-General of the CBI: “Business supports the Crossrail project and welcomes the Government’s decision to give the go ahead. Crossrail’s economic benefit and its capacity to provide a much-needed enhancement to London’s transport network are vital for ensuring London continues to develop as a world city - and some businesses are willing and able to make a financial contribution towards this.”
3. Businesses
• Barclays
John Varley, Chief Executive, Barclays Plc: “Improving London's transport infrastructure is long overdue. Crossrail will improve access to the City and Canary Wharf, and make a major contribution to the Government's ambition to strengthen London's position as the key financial centre of the 21st century.”
• British Airways
Willie Walsh, Chief Executive, British Airways Plc: “BA has long argued for broadening the Heathrow rail network by addition to the Express services. Crossrail should be developed to complement the building of AirTrack into Heathrow to the benefit of our passengers and our staff.”
• BT
Clive Ansell, Group Strategy Director, BT Group Plc: “Modern infrastructure is vital for a competitive and dynamic UK economy - whether it be communications or transport networks. Crossrail is the transport priority.”
• Canary Wharf
George Iacobescu, Chief Executive, Canary Wharf Group: “Crossrail is an important project which will help deliver regeneration in East London and the Thames Gateway. It will help improve London's competitive position in the world and bring direct and indirect benefits to the whole UK economy.”
• EDF Energy
Vincent de Rivas, Chief Executive, EDF Energy: “As London’s energy company, EDF Energy believes that Crossrail is vital to the continuing success of London as a world class city. Investment in new sustainable public transport infrastructure for the capital is essential to reduce carbon emissions.”
• HSBC
Stephen Green, Chairman, HSBC Group: “As a leading international financial services centre and one of the world's great cities, London deserves a modern, world class transport infrastructure for the purposes of business and visitors alike. Crossrail represents a much needed east-west London link and will afford substantial investment and regeneration for communities in east London. It will help keep the capital connected and competitive.”
• Land Securities
Francis Salway, Chief Executive, Land Securities: “London's status as a world city and its essential contribution to the economic success of the UK are at risk if we do not adequately plan for the city’s future. Creating a transport system able to cope with the demands of a dynamic, growing city requires immediate and strategic investment. Crossrail offers us the only real opportunity to meet these demands – it is not one that we can afford to miss.”
• Lloyd’s of London
Lord Levene of Portsoken, Chairman of Lloyd’s of London: “We have an enormous advantage in London by virtue of our language and our geography. English is now the internationally accepted lingua franca for business from Beijing to Buenos Aires. Our geographical position enables us to trade with the Far East in the morning and with the United States in the afternoon. This is a huge advantage. It is recognised by the concentration of global financial services here in London, where they feel both welcome and comfortable. But we must do everything possible to maintain that position and to improve it, whether that be in our local infrastructure, where ... we are still very badly let down in terms of transport, and ... where the go-ahead for Crossrail is not only overdue but absolutely essential.”
• PwC
Kieran Poynter, Chairman, PwC: “I support Crossrail because it will make London more efficient and thus more competitive and it should be good for the environment too.”
• RBS
Johnny Cameron, Chief Executive, Corporate Markets, RBS: “In a globalised world, the UK's transport infrastructure is essential to continue to attract international business to the UK and keep the UK competitive. Crossrail will significantly improve the links from the City of London, Canary Wharf and Heathrow and we hope that it is pursued as a real priority.”
4. Passenger groups
• London TravelWatch
Brian Cooke, Chairman, London TravelWatch: "This is fantastic news for passengers in London, and we are delighted that the green light has – finally – been given. We have long-pressed for a commitment to Crossrail, as increased capacity and investment in the rail infrastructure was vital for the capital. Crossrail should be a crucial element in London’s transport network, and will help keep London moving."
• Passenger Focus
Anthony Smith, Chief Executive, Passenger Focus: “We are delighted at this long awaited news. Crossrail will make an enormous difference to passengers’ experience of train travel. Over the years, passenger numbers have increased but there has been little real opportunity to properly address the issues created by such demand. Crossrail will provide much needed additional capacity for commuters along the routes identified which should mean a much more comfortable and pleasant journey. It also avoids the need to change onto the Underground. This is very much a first step and we want to see the service extended in the future for example west beyond Maidenhead as far as Reading and beyond. The project will obviously be a major challenge. Passengers Focus will scrutinise its development closely to ensure that disruption to services is kept to a minimum and passengers are kept informed throughout”
5. Trade unions
• AMICUS
AMICUS: “Potentially the most significant development in the transport infrastructure in the UK is the current proposal for the London Crossrail project.”
• TUC
Brendan Barber, General-Secretary, TUC: "This announcement is excellent news for the UK economy and jobs. The TUC recognises the integral role Crossrail can play in the economic development and regeneration in London. Crossrail will provide an essential communication and transport network for business and industry in the region and potentially provides business opportunities for manufacturing, construction and related sectors supporting jobs growth across the region."
• RMT
Bob Crow, General Secretary, RMT: "Crossrail makes sense from every angle. It will help ease overcrowding on other routes, get more people off the roads and onto public transport and give the capital a massive economic boost. But we need to learn the lessons from a decade of rail and Tube privatisation and ensure that Crossrail is a public project in every sense, publicly run and publicly accountable, and with rolling stock built in Britain to help rescue our skilled train-making industry. Businesses stand to benefit massively from Crossrail and it is only right that they pay their share towards its cost, but its benefit will be lost if it becomes a premium railway for use only by those who can afford high fares. A modern, high-capacity and affordable rail network is not a luxury, it is essential for the economy and the environment, and we hope the government will use the momentum to work quickly towards a new high-speed north-south link as well."
6. Local authorities
• Sir Robin Wales, Mayor of Newham: “This is really good news for Newham. Crossrail will mean not just quicker and less crowded journeys for residents to central London, it will also vastly improve accessibility to the borough’s key development sites in Stratford and the Royal Docks, stimulating greater investment and creating thousands of additional jobs and home.”
Councillor Conor McAuley, Newham Council’s Executive Advisor on Regeneration: “This will especially benefit the Royal Docks area, which is somewhat remote from elsewhere in the borough. With Crossrail serving Custom House, typical journey times from there to central London will be reduced by up to 65 per cent, so the journey to Paddington would fall from almost an hour to just 18 minutes. Having a station located in Custom House would also complement the regeneration that is taking place there.”
7. Construction industry
• Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
RICS has always supported the Crossrail project. The development of the Thames Gateway is dependent on it and is essential whether or not London wins the bid to host the 2012 Olympics. A project of this size needs realistic design, budgeting, timescales and all the ingredients of good project management however questions remain over specific private sector funding.
• Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)
The Crossrail Bill is proceeding through its final stages in Parliament. This will be the largest civil engineering project in London. ICE London is keen to work with Cross London Rail Links to promote understanding of the scheme. As part of this process, we are a member of the Professional Institutions Crossrail PR Liaison Group. Its aim is to provide a two-way channel of consultation between key stakeholders and will provide regular updates of progress. This group will raise the understanding of Crossrail and communicate how it can be delivered.
8. Others
• Tunnels and Tunnelling International
Editor, Tris Thomas, Tunnels and Tunnelling International: “The government has finally given London’s US$32bnm Crossrail project, with its 16km of 6m diameter twin tube tunnels, the green light. It’s good to see those who will benefit from the rail link, probably to the tune of billions over the years, ‘jumping on board’ and digging into their pockets.”
• Crossrail All Party Parliamentary Group
Mike Gapes MP for Illford South, Chairman Crossrail All Party Parliamentary Group: “Crossrail will provide vital new transport capacity in London. It is essential for the economic development of the capital and for the regeneration of some of the poorest parts of the city.”
• Crossrail
Douglas Oakervee OBE, Executive Chairman, Cross London Rail Links Ltd: “Crossrail is a world-class, affordable railway, delivered through effective partnerships and project excellence.”
9. Media
• The Times, Square Mile plots London-wide business levy to fund Crossrail, 22 October 2007, Martin Waller, The Times: “Crossrail, to be completed by 2017, is seen as a benefit to the City and Canary Wharf, in particular, easing access to Heathrow. It should reduce congestion on east-west commuter routes and allow the construction of dozens of new office towers accommodation about 200,000 workers.”
• Press Association Newsdesk, Region 'benefits most from capital economy, 13 November 2007
Dermot Finch, director of the Centre for Cities: "London's global strength is vital to the British economy - and our capital needs continuing investment, such as Crossrail, to maintain its success.”
• Evening Standard, Rail victory for London
Evening Standard: “Long-awaited: Gordon Brown has announced Crossrail will go-ahead following a 20-year campaign by the Evening Standard on behalf of business and commuters.”
• City AM , All aboard for Crossrail – it is vital for the future, 8 October 2007
Michael Snyder: “In the history of the city, Crossrail marks the beginning of an epoch. Its impact will be epic.”
• Construction News, Sign off, 11 October 2007
David Taylor, Construction News: “Crossrail has to be a votewinner. It’ll be the biggest civil engineering project in Europe, create over 30,000 new jobs, pump an extra £20 billion in the UK economy, cement London reputation as one the world’s main financial centres, ease congestion on all main commuter routes and encourage more people to use public transport, thereby reducing CO2 emissions and saving the planet.”
• Daily Telegraph, Crossrail gets the go-ahead at last, 6 October 2007
The £16bn Crossrail scheme was finally approved yesterday allowing work to begin on the largest civil engineering project in Europe
• The Independent, Brown gives green light to Crossrail, 6 October 2007
Business groups yesterday cheered the Government’s decision to finally green-light the much-delayed Crossrail project in London.
• Financial Times, Do the locomotion – Crossrail link finally given green signal, 6 October 2007
• Evening Standard, All Systems Go for World Class Railway, 23 July 2008
"Queen gives approval to London's £16bn Crossrail route - work starts next year......Baroness Valentine: "It signals a world city investing in its future competitiveness."
• Financial Times, Ambitious rail plan finally leaves sidings / Go-ahead cheers building industry, 23 July 2008
• BBC London News, 23 July 2007
Victoria Hollins: " It's the biggest change to London's transport system for 50 years. It's been decades in the planning and it'll be the largest civil engineering project in Europe."
Boris Johnson: "This is a historic moment. This is the biggest civil engineering project of our generation."
Ruth Kelly MP: "This is a very significant project, I wouldn't like to pretend otherwise, but it will be worth it."
• Metro, Groups Hail Green Light for Crossrail, 24 July 2008
"The go-ahead for the biggest transport project in Britain since the construction of the Channel Tunnel was welcomed by campaigners yesterday."
• Evening Standard, Crossrail unveils its stations, 25 July 2008
Nicholas Cecil: "The images are unveiled today as transport minister Rosie Winterton officially confers powers on the Cross London Rail Links company to carry out the £16 billion project."
This page last edited 4 August 2008
